Agraria is an educational and research center that explores and demonstrates the benefits of regenerative practices at multiple levels—from the environmental, economic, psychological and social, to their impact on human health and well-being. Soil regeneration is the root-bed of this work. Agraria is a project of the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions.

Visiting Agraria

Agraria is a community resource for the village of Yellow Springs, the Miami Valley, and all interested visitors. We invite friends from both near and far to come and observe the wonders taking place on the farm. Out of respect for our neighbors, wildlife, and renting farmers, we ask that you visit during our business hours (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) or attend one of our many public events and workshops. Whenever you do visit, please help us maximize safety by visiting our office building first--located right next to our historic barn--and signing in.

Our 2018-2019 Capital Campaign, Putting Down Roots, is launched! See our campaign brochure for details about plans and goals for Agraria, and how you can offer your ideas and support during this crucial campaign.

During our soils conference in February 2017 we learned of a farm that was going up for auction on the western edge of Yellow Springs. A few of our members approached us, asking us to take the lead on the purchase of a parcel that included Jacoby Creek, part of the sensitive local watershed that supplies drinking water for Xenia and Yellow Springs. Protecting the Jacoby Creek watershed has been a goal of area conservationists for over 40 years.

Over the next few weeks, community support for acquiring and protecting the property grew, and Community Solutions was able to purchase two tracts that included 128 acres of rolling farmland, a house, a barn, a workshop—and Jacoby Creek.

Agraria, as our farm is known, integrates our strategic focus areas of resilient communities,regenerative land use, community economics, energy democracy, and being the change. Our goal is that it serve as a multifunctional center for research and education on regenerative practices that benefit the landscape, those who work it to put food on our collective table, and the economic and social fabric of the larger community. Our overarching mission is to support the expansion of our regional food system and serve as a platform for building community resilience.

The work has already begun on reaching out and building partnerships that will support Agraria as a vital and viable community and regional resource. We have engaged with neighbors, farmers, conservationists, educators, researchers, and others in a visioning of the possibilities for Agraria. One of the projects we have been working on is a collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and Tecumseh Land Trust on a restoration project that includes removal of invasives along Jacoby Creek, remeandering the stream, and replanting the riparian corridor with native species. The restored area will be protected by a conservation easement. We have also established research and educational partnerships with area universities and school districts. You can read more about plans for Agraria on our interactive map.

Getting Involved

We will, of course, need continued support to fully realize Agraria’s potential as a community asset and resource for strengthening regional self-reliance and resilience. Here’s how you can help support Agraria:

· Volunteer during one of our work days or events. Click here to add your name to our list of volunteers and watch our website for upcoming volunteer events.

· Donate either funds or materials. Click here to make a financial donation or click here for information about equipment or materials that are on our wish list.

· We want to hear your ideas and feedback! Please contact us to offer your input.

· Spread the good word about what we are doing and where we are going. Like us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and share our posts.